Pretzel Fest Returns To Lititz

The first Pretzel Fest in Lititz took place in 2012, and the event became an annual favorite for both locals and visitors. However, for two years, there has been no Pretzel Fest. "In 2020, we were ready to go, but we canceled due to COVID-19," said Karen Davis, Pretzel Fest publicity representative. The event, which is organized by the Kiwanis Club of the Lititz Area, was canceled in 2021 for the same reason.

But for 2022, the delicious event is back with more than 20 Lititz-area locations ready to host tastings on Saturday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kiwanis Club members will use funds raised by the Pretzel Fest to hold Kids Fun Day in the Park on Saturday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lititz Springs Park, 18 N. Broad St., Lititz. Kids Fun Day, which was first held in 2019, will include games, prizes, books, and food.

"(Food creations for Pretzel Fest) must have pretzels as an ingredient or they have to be complemented by pretzels," explained Davis, who described one cheese-flavored treat called quattro fromaggi as a lollipop encrusted in pretzel with a pretzel stick. "I can't wait to see what that looks like," said Davis.

Adult beverages will be added to the fest this year as well. Attendees will have opportunities to taste one wine, three beers, a mead, and two spirits," said Davis, who noted that alternative beverages will be available to ticketholders who are under age 21. Davis added that participants will be asked to vote for their favorite tastings in four categories - sweet, savory, most creative, and beverage.

Among this year's hosts are some traditional participants and some new places of business on Main Street and Broad Street and beyond. "Dosie Dough and Zum Anker Alley are always favorites," said Davis, who noted that On Broad, The Tattered Shirt, and Bunyaad Marketplace will also participate. "Julius Sturgis is a valued sponsor, providing pretzels to complement beverage samples and as ingredients in recipes, as well as participating as one of the tasting spots," Davis added.

Entertainment that will be stationed around town to provide live music for Pretzel Fest will include Frank Porter, who will play acoustic rock; Forgiven, which will play family-friendly rock; and Jack Roberts of Ragtime Willi.

Organizers plan to abide by guidelines and protocols recommended by the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health on the day of the event. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, Feb. 18. Readers may purchase tickets at http://www.lititzpretzelfest.com or at various Lititz locations. More information may be found by searching for "Lititz Pretzel Fest" on Facebook.